Ayala Corporation and San Miguel Corporation led 29 Philippine conglomerates and businesses that made it to Time magazine and Statista’s inaugural 500 Best Companies in Asia-Pacific for 2025.
The ranking of 500 of the Asia-Pacific’s best companies by Time and Statista is based on a formula of revenue growth, employee satisfaction surveys, and rigorous environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG, or sustainability) data.
Ayala is the top-ranking Filipino company at 46, followed by San Miguel at 85, Security Bank Corporation at 88, SM Investments Corporation at 109, and BDO Unibank at 112.
The SM and Gokongwei groups had the most companies on the list. Aside from SMIC and BDO, other members of the SM group are SM Prime Holdings Inc. at 121 and China Banking Corporation at 238.
“We are honored to be recognized among the World’s Best Companies in Asia-Pacific, reflecting our commitment to strong business performance, employee well-being, and sustainable practices," said SMIC President and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio.
He added that, "At SM, we continuously strive to create value by serving our customers, supporting our people, fostering responsible growth, and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
The Gokongwei Group has Cebu Pacific Air at 178, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. at 211, JG Summit Holdings Inc. at 265, and Universal Robina Corporation at 329.
Tycoon Andrew Tan’s investment arm, Alliance Global Group Inc. (245), and its real estate subsidiary, Megaworld Corporation (374), also made this year’s list.
“The inclusion of Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI) in the list of Best Companies in Asia Pacific by Time Magazine and Statista is a testament to our Group’s unwavering commitment to nation-building as a proudly Filipino conglomerate,” said AGI President and CEO Kevin L. Tan.
He added, “Through our group of companies, we continue to create world-class developments, products, and opportunities that drive economic growth, generate more jobs, and uplift many communities. All these we do to help build our nation to greater progress and success.”
Megaworld President Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso said, “Megaworld is very honored to be recognized in Time Magazine’s inaugural list of the Best Companies in the Asia-Pacific region.”
“This distinction is more than an accolade—it is a reaffirmation of our enduring mission to contribute to nation-building, strengthening our resolve to continue uplifting lives, impacting society, and helping shape the nation,” she noted.
“As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation and caring for the people and the planet.”
Banking and financial services lead the new statistical ranking of 500 of the Asia-Pacific’s best companies by Time and Statista. Half of the top ten are banks or financial services companies, led by Singapore’s DBS Bank in the top spot and Malaysia’s Maybank as runner-up.
The list also spotlights a boom in solutions-based sustainability investments as environmental concerns intensify. Both governments and companies are pushing for green innovations, including renewable energy solutions, electric vehicles (EVs), and sustainable supply chains.
“Thinking about sustainability is embedded into the fabric of our business,” DBS Bank CEO Piyush Gupta told Time in 2020.
This trend driving investment in eco-friendly technologies is also reflected by the fact that three of the top ten are automotive firms spearheading the transition to EVs, with Kia in third place overall.
Last year also witnessed a ramping up of digital transformation and AI adoption, with businesses across the region accelerating initiatives to optimize operations, improve customer experience, and boost productivity.
The rise of digital wallets, blockchain technology, and cryptocurrencies is transforming financial services in the region.
Singapore, especially, is cementing its role as a fintech hub, and consumers across the region are increasingly relying on mobile payments and innovative banking solutions.